A professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology at UC Santa Cruz has been chosen as the recipient of a $600,000 Ellison Medical Foundation grant, according to the university.

The funds, to be distributed over four years, will be used to support Susan Strome's laboratory research on factors that extend the lifespan of organisms, the release says. Her work focuses on germ cells, ageless cells that produce eggs and sperm and can give rise to generations of offspring.

Figuring out how to harness those cells' proteins and other characteristics could help animals live longer, according to the release. Strome's theory is that the proteins protect the cells' nuclear pores and thus act against the aging process.

BOULDER CREEK

Valley Churches hosts pancake breakfast Sunday

A pancake breakfast and raffle will be held 11 a.m. Sunday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 13005 Pine St.

Any donations will benefit Valley Churches United Mission's 31st annual Christmas Project. For information, call 336-8258 or go to www.vcum.org.

SANTA CRUZ

Sutter Care at Home earns top rating

Sutter Care at Home in Santa Cruz is one of nine Sutter affiliates in Northern California to been named to the 2012 HomeCare Elite, a list co-sponsored by National Research Corp. and publisher DecisionHealth to recognize top home health agencies.

The list, in its seventh year, identifies the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies, based on measures such as outcomes, patient experience, quality improvement and financial performance.

Residents are invited to the San Lorenzo Valley Museum noon to 4 p.m. Sunday to make craft ornaments, string popcorn and cranberries, and decorate the organization's Christmas tree.

Younger children will work on simple projects while older children can make more intricate ornaments based on models. Other family members can work at a table filled with craft materials. Cookies and juice will be provided. A $5 donation per family would be appreciated.